Stop and Smell the Roses: The Aromatherapy of Erotic Massage
What could possibly be better than a smooth, sensual rub down? One that smells absolutely divine of course! You may not consider scent to be all that important to your erotic massage technique, but when it comes to your caresses, you’ll be amazed at the difference that an aphrodisiac can make.
Aromatherapy? Not for Me…
When I say the word “aromatherapy” you may already have visions of New Age music and your wife’s special spa treatment, but there are a dozen great reasons to bring some basic aroma science into your sex life. Don’t be fooled – aromatherapy is serious business!
The primary ingredient in any aromatherapy treatment or concoction is the essential oil – a volatile oil from plant matter, the part of the plant that gives it scent and taste. You can purchase essential oils from a number of different sources in order to make your own massage blends. You can buy already blended oils ready to use, or you can even endeavor to make your own!
Just remember… being natural doesn’t automatically make something safe. Some essential oils are contraindicated for pregnant or menopausal women. Others can make the skin more photosensitive or cause irritation. If you do decide to blend your own mixes, be sure to follow careful directions regarding the preparation of massage mixes. All essential oils need to be blended into what is called a carrier oil, the kind of oils typically used for cooking and body preparations – almond, grape seed, coconut, even plain grocery store olive oil will work, though something with a more neutral or tropical smell is generally recommended.
What Works?
Dozens of different oils have been associated with aphrodisiac properties, but we each have our own particular predilections. What your woman enjoys will all depend on her olfactory senses, so experiment a bit and see what she likes. Take a sniff of the perfumes and air fresheners she uses. Does she like floral, spicy, musky, or fresh? Does she tend toward sweet citrus hints or savory herbals? Why not take a shopping trip to a local essential oil supplier with your lover and see what kind of scents you can pick out together? Here’s a list of common aphrodisiac oils to get you started on your search.
Amber has a sweet, sensual scent that begs to linger in the hollow of the throat and spread across the pulse points, reminiscent of her favorite perfume. It has an overpowering scent that can be difficult to blend, so use it sparingly.
Basil is sweet and spicy, encouraging sexual stimulation as well as being mentally and emotionally invigorating for those days when she is so worn out that she’s worried a massage is all she’ll be up for – don’t worry, if anything will wake her up, it’s basil!
Bergamot is a general mood-lifter with a soft, citrusy floral scent that plays very well with others.
Cinnamon, with its spicy apple-pie scent, is a favorite of men and women alike, encouraging a relaxing down-home feeling all the while spicing up any situation.
Clove compliments cinnamon blends very well, with another spicy note.
Cardamom, another favorite “C” spice, has a sweet and enticing aroma which encourages sexual attraction with a warm, inviting glow.
Coriander should be used sparingly, but it’s sweet and spicy scent is often considered an aphrodisiac, mixing well with other oils like jasmine and sandalwood.
Ginger is another spicy scent which can be used in warming oils, again with caution. It is known to increase passions and inflame desires, and goes well with the “C” spices.
Grapefruit is incredibly uplifting and mixes well with other citruses, along with neroli, bergamot and the “C” spices above. It is another mood-lifter to help brighten a bad day.
Jasmine is an intoxicating floral scent that hardly any woman can resist, adding warmth and sensual notes to any mix. It should be avoided during pregnancy, but mixes well with other musky oils like amber, neroli and sandalwood.
Lavender is a classic massage scent because of its ability to encourage relaxation. It is also antibacterial, so works great for foot massages after a long, hard day in heels!
Neroli is an exotic aphrodisiac with a deep, seductive scent known for facilitating sexual excitement and clear communication between lovers.
Rose essential oil is as good as a real dozen of the precious flowers, sweet and sensual, uplifting and joyful, speaking right to her heart. It is perfect for special occasions and mixes well with other exotic or floral scents.
Patchouli is exotic and musky with a very earthy aroma, both provocative and sensual for decreased inhibitions and increased desires. It tends to blend very well with a body’s natural scent.
Sandalwood is another musky scent with deep notes that speak to its use in ritual and meditative practices the world ’round. It is excellent for slow, sensual lovemaking.
Vanilla is another classic scent which, like cinnamon, tends to remind us of home. It mixes very well with spices, as well as any of the floral scents.
Ylang ylang is the quintessential aromatherapy aphrodisiac, erotic and exotic, known to enhance libido and to your Wellbeing